Holding clips

ABSTRACT

A holding clip made of resilient material has bent end portions for engaging and retaining an article. The bent end portions are stiffened relative to the body of the clip by stiffening members which are substantially similarly bent. The thickness of resilient material inwardly of the stiffening member is greater, at least over part of the bent end portion, than at a position opposite the said part on the outward side of the stiffening member.

United States Patent Voigt HOLDING CLIPS [72] Inventor: Gunter Voigt,D-7l4l l-lochberg,

Germany [22] Filed: Dec. 28, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 101,796

[52] US. Cl ..24/81 SK, 224/45 S, 280/1137 A [51] Int. Cl. ..A44b 21/00,A451 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..280/1 1.37 A, 11.37 K; 24/73 86, 81 SK,81 CC, 255, 256, 257, 262; 224/45.116

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,146,190 2/ 1939 Luke..24/262 R 2,937,265 5/1960 Blitzer ..24/255 R X 2,955,339 10/1960Richardson ..24/262 GC 3,225,987 12/1965 Bonner ..224/45 S 3,342,3889/1967 Duckworth ..224/45 S 51 Aug. 15, 1972 3,581,428 6/1971 Helder..24/81 CC X Y FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,177,053 8/1964 Germany..280/1 1.37 A 440,076 12/ 1967 Switzerland ..280/1 1.37 A 7,328 1898Great Britain ..24/256 Primary Examiner-Donald A. GriffinAttorney-Oberlin, Maky, Donnelly & Renner ABSTRACT A holding clip madeof resilient material has bent end portions for engaging and retainingan article. The bent end portions are stiffened relative to the body ofthe clip by stiffening members which are substantially similarly bent.The thickness of resilient material inwardly of the stifiening member isgreater, at least over part of the bent end portion, than at a positionopposite the said part on the outward side of the stiffening member.

11 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures HOLDING CLIPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA holding clip has been proposed, which comprises a strip made ofresilient material, of which at least the two free end portions arestiffened relative to the center portion of the clip by respectiveU-shaped stiffening members which are advantageously embedded in theresilient material, while the free end portions are of a bent shape inconformity with the stiffening member.

Holding clips of this kind can be used in particular as ski clips forholding two skis together. Despite their advantages, such clips when putto the above use suffer from the disadvantage that they are often notcapable of withstanding the loads applied to them, and do not have thenecessary strength particularly at the more highly loaded points; inmany cases they also do not afford a sufficient frictional lock on thearticle which they are to hold and their working life frequently doesnot meet with expectations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A main object of the invention is to provideholding clips of the above mentioned kind such that they have a greaterdegree of robustness and thus also can withstand very high loadings.

Another object of the invention is to achieve a satisfactory workinglife for the clip, even when the clip is handled carelessly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a clip which can beput to a wide range of uses, in addition to use as a ski-holding clip.

According to the present invention, there is provided a holding clipcomprising a strip of resilient material having two end portions, atleast the two end portions being bent to form respective substantiallyU-shaped portions; and at least two substantially U-shaped stiffeningmembers embedded in respective said end portions for the stiffeningthereof, the thickness of the resilient material on the inward side ofeach said stiffening member at at least one position being greater thanthe thickness of material at a corresponding position opposite said oneposition on the outward side of said stiffening member.

With this construction, in the holding clip according to the invention,there is more springy material at the inward face of the clip than atthe outward side, thus contributing to a greater frictional lock withthe article which is to be clamped by the clip, while the danger ofdamage to the article and the resilient material which is loaded by thearticle is reduced. Because, in accordance with the invention, the wallthickness of resilient material is advantageously increased in thoseregions of the clip which are generally most highly loaded, while at thepoints which are not loaded or are loaded to a lesser degree, thethickness of material is diminished or even completely reduced, theholding clip is generally of greater robustness while using virtuallythe same amount of material.

In the holding clip according to the invention, the above indicatedadvantages can be attained in a particularly simple manner by eachstifiening member being offset relative to the end portion which itstiffens, so that the thickness of resilient material is greater in theregions which will be most highly loaded by an article, than in theother regions. With this arrangement therefore the increase in thethickness of material does not need to be at all visible outwardly as itcan be achieved solely by virtue of the displaced position of theembedded stiffening members. This displacement of the stiffening membercan be such that the stiffening members are exposed at the outward faceof the clip, and are joined to the resilient material by adhesion.

Embedding the stiffening member in the above mentioned manner, toachieve a greater wall thickness in the more highly loaded regions, maybe achieved by the two free limb portions of the stiffening membersand/or the corresponding bent end portions of the clip extendingdivergently.

In a further aspect of the invention, the clip has one or moretransverse bores in its bent end portions, preferably in regions thereofin which the resilient material is of an increased thickness. In thisway, holding clasps may be inserted into the transverse bores in orderto close and lock the clip in a closed position after the article inquestion which is to be clamped has been fitted into the clip, and thusat any event to prevent the article from slipping out, by increasing thefrictional lock thereon. The traction strength of the clip, which givesthe clamping pressure, is increased by at least double. The enlargedregions which contain the transverse bores can form substantiallyloaf-shaped lugs or enlargements which facilitate handling of the clip.

In all embodiments of the clip according to the invention, preferablyresiliency of the material which encloses at least the ends of thestiffening members is intermediate between the resiliency of thestiffening members and that of the remainder of the strip. This providesa transition between the less resilient stiffening members and theresilient strip so that the resilient strip will not be damaged by theends of the stiffening member, and a reduction is achieved in thestresses which would otherwise occur under load in the other regions ofthe stiffening member, in the strip material enclosing the stiffeningmember, at the contact surface therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of a holding clipaccording to the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectional view of a clip according to theinvention with displaced embedded stiffening member,

FIG. 2 shows a clip with transverse bores,

FIG. 3 shows a clip with extended center portion,

FIGS. 4 and 5 each show a clip with a split center portion,

FIG. 6 shows a clip with its end portions bent in opposite directions,

FIG. 7 shows a clip with inwardly extended tongue portions at its ends,

FIG. 8 shows a clip with the end faces of its end portions in contact,

FIG. 9 shows a clip in which the limb portions forming each bent endportion are convergent,

FIGS. 10 and 11 show clips having an additional stiffening member,

FIG. 12 shows a clip in the form of a closed ring, and

FIGS. 13 and 14 show clips with separately formed resilient centerportions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a holdingclip generally comprises a strip 1 made from resilient or elasticmaterial. The two end portions of the strip 1 are bent into a U- shapeand are each reinforced with respect to a center body portion 3 of theclip by an embedded U-shaped stiffening member 2, of which only one isvisible in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the stiffening member 2 isembedded in a displaced or offset position with respect to the bent endportions of the resilient strip in regions such that the wall thicknessof resilient material in regions which are particularly loaded by anarticle such as a ski to be clamped, is greater than at other points.The free limb portions of the stiffening members 2 and of the bent endportions of the strip 1 extend divergently, as shown. It is alsopossible however for only the limb portions of the members 2 or only thelimb portions of the said bent end portions to end divergently.

The middle region of the center portion 3 of the clip is of smallercross-section than the two end regions thereof and thus has a greatercapacity for flexing and extension, with the result that under atraction load, extension of the center portion 3 of the clip occurspredominantly in the region of the reduced cross-section; thus the twoend regions of the center portion 3, which accommodate the ends of thestiffening member 2, are substantially relieved of load. These edgeregions thus form substantially load-shaped portions which are enlargedand reinforced relative to the middle region of the center portion 3 andproject at least outwardly of the clip, providing a greater resistanceto abrasion wear and offering an increased gripping capacity.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 which is generally similar to theembodiment in FIG. 1, transverse bores 4 which can be used to receivelock or closure clasps or clips are provided along the contours of theembedded stiffening member 2.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the capacity for flexing and extension of thecenter portion 3 of the clip and thus its protection from damage byover-extension may be increased, without reducing the robustness of theclip and without changing its dimensions or the resiliency of thematerial of the strip 1, if the middle region 5 of the center portion 3of the clip includes a section which forms a non-rectilinear connection,being for example of a twisted or winding configuration between theadjacent end regions of the center portion 3. As shown in FIG. 3, thelimbs of the clip which are formed by the stiffened end portions of thestrip 1 can thus be opened to a particularly large width, which greatlyfacilitates fitting the clip in position on a particular article to beclamped.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the clip (which is generally similar to the embodimentof FIG. 2) has a center body portion which is divided into two limbparts 6 and 7 preferably having two different spring rates or elasticityconstants. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the limb part 6 is ofsmaller cross-section and provides for a lower initial tensile load whenthe clip is being opened, while the outwardly protruding limb part 7 isof thicker crosssection and only becomes fully effective in itsresistance to a traction or clip-opening force when the clip begins totake up a stretched position. The handling of such a clip is therebyfacilitated and over-extension thereof is substantially prevented.

The same effect is also achieved with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, inwhich the limb part 7 of the thicker cross-section lies inwardly of theother limb part 6 in relation to the body portion of the clip; the limbpart 7 causes the frictional lock on flat articles which are to beclamped in position to be increased, and the free limbs of the stiffenedbent end portions of the clip to lie better against such articles. Thearticle clamping pressure in the position of use is greater with boththese embodiments.

The invention may also be used in those cases in which, as shown in FIG.6, the clip is constructed with its stiffened end portions bent inopposite directions, so that the clip can be used as a double-endedhook, without having to twist the center portion of the clip, as wouldbe necessary if the clip were of the configuration shown for example inFIGS. 1 and 2. This thus avoids additional stresses being produced,which would otherwise be generated by twisting the resilient strip inits center portion; such stresses would reduce the rupture limit andaccelerate ageing of the material of the strip 1.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is again generally similar to that ofFIG. 2, but the free ends of the free limb portions of the stiffenedbent end portions of the strip 1 are extended to form inwardly directedtongue portions 8 which, when the clip is fitted around an article, cometo lie protectively in front of the free ends of the strip on both sidesand thus make the clip particularly sturdy. When used for holdingcertain suitable articles however, the portions 8 can also act asadditional holding members.

FIG. 8 shows a clip of which the end faces of the free ends of the strip1 are in contact so that, when the clip as shown is in a rest positionor a condition in which it is at least substantially free from tractionstress, the clip forms a closed and thus unlosable ring.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the limb portions forming thesubstantially U-shaped end portions of the clip on both sides aredirected convergingly and are formed at their inward sides with recessessuch that the clip can also be used as connecting and supportingelement, for example for pram suspensions, which may be engaged eitherinto the upper, narrower recess or the lower, wider recess, in order inthat way to develop different spring forces.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show embodiments of clips in which the reinforcedregions of the strips are increased by an additional region withembedded substantially U- shaped stiffening members, thus making itpossible to put the clip to further uses, for example for suspendingpart or for closing the clips.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is formed by the two ends of the limbportions of the bent end portions of a strip, which ends would otherwisebe free, being joined together by a limb portion which is either made inone piece with or of the same material as the two end portions of thestrip, or comprises a different material to the strip; the clip is thusclosed in an annular shape. Such a clip can be used wherever there is noneed to open the clip to insert the article to be secured. The said twoends can also be joined together by a clasp or like connecting meanswhich may be releasable at one or both ends so that the clip can beopened.

Finally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which are similarto the FIG. 2 embodiment, the resilient middle region 5 of the centerportion 3 of the clip or strip 1 is constructed so as to be separate asshown from the edge regions of the center portion 3 of the clip, thesaid edge regions enclosing the facing free ends of the stiffeningmembers 2, while the elastic working length of the middle region 5 isgreater than the distance between the two facing ends of the stiffeningmembers 2. In principle. this is achieved, as shown in FIG. 13, by anopen-ended slot 9 being formed between the middle portion 5 and the saidedge regions which enclose the ends of the stiffening members 2, so thatthe middle portion 5 can be stretched over a longer distance. To preventthe limb portions of the clip bending, which would not be intended withthis construction, in practice it is advantageous for the slots 9 to bebridged as shown in FIG. 14 at their open ends by respective retaininglimb portions which also have the advantageous effect that theystrengthen the resilient middle portion 5 when the latter is severelystretched.

Various other modifications may of course be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A holding clip comprising a strip of resilient material, the striphaving two end portions of a bent configuration such as to formrespective substantially U-shaped portions, each end portion beingstiffened by a substantially U-shaped stiffening member embeddedtherein, -each U-shaped stiffening member having its free limbs embeddedin the associate end portion in a displaced position relative theretosuch that the thickness of material on the inwardly facing side of theclip increases along each of the three limbs of the respective U-shapedstiffening member, the lesser thickness of resilient material at saidinwardly facing side of each said limb being at the end of each saidlimb which is towards the free end of the respective end portions.

2. A clip according to claim 1 wherein the two free limb portions ofsaid bent end portions extend divergently.

3. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portion extendingbetween said bent end portions has end regions which enclose the facingfree ends of said stiffening members and are formed as substantiallyloaf-shaped portions which are enlarged with respect to the middleregion of the center body portion which lies between said end regions.

4. A clip according to claim 1 wherein transverse bores are formed inthe clip in said bent end portions, said bores being capable in use ofthe clip of accommodating additional retaining clasp means to secure theclip in a holding position.

5. A clip according to claim 4 wherein said bores are formed in regionsof the clip with an increased thickness of resilient material. 1

6. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portion extendsbetween said bent end portions and said bent end portions form an anglewith their respective limb portions which are joined by said center body7. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portion betweensaid bent end portions is of a nonrectilinear configuration, whereby itsspring working length is extended.

8. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portion betweensaid bent end portions is divided into at least two limb parts which arepreferably of different elasticity constants.

9. A clip according to claim 1 wherein the ends of the free limbportions of said bent end portions are extended to form inwardlydirected resilient tongue portions.

10. A clip according to claim 1 wherein the resilient material enclosingthe stiffening members at least at their free ends is of an elasticityintermediate between that of the stiffening members and that of theresilient material of the remainder of said strip.

11. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portion extendsbetween said bent end portions and includes a resilient middle regionand end regions which enclose facing free ends of said stiffeningmembers, said middle region being partly separated from each said endregions by respective slot means and the effective elastic length ofsaid middle region being greater than the distance between said two endsof said stiffening members.

1. A holding clip comprising a strip of resilient material, the striphaving two end portions of a bent configuration such as to formrespective substantially U-shaped portions, each end portion beingstiffened by a substantially U-shaped stiffening member embeddedtherein, each U-shaped stiffening member having its free limbs embeddedin the assoCiate end portion in a displaced position relative theretosuch that the thickness of material on the inwardly facing side of theclip increases along each of the three limbs of the respective U-shapedstiffening member, the lesser thickness of resilient material at saidinwardly facing side of each said limb being at the end of each saidlimb which is towards the free end of the respective end portions.
 2. Aclip according to claim 1 wherein the two free limb portions of saidbent end portions extend divergently.
 3. A clip according to claim 1wherein a center body portion extending between said bent end portionshas end regions which enclose the facing free ends of said stiffeningmembers and are formed as substantially loaf-shaped portions which areenlarged with respect to the middle region of the center body portionwhich lies between said end regions.
 4. A clip according to claim 1wherein transverse bores are formed in the clip in said bent endportions, said bores being capable in use of the clip of accommodatingadditional retaining clasp means to secure the clip in a holdingposition.
 5. A clip according to claim 4 wherein said bores are formedin regions of the clip with an increased thickness of resilientmaterial. 1
 6. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a center body portionextends between said bent end portions and said bent end portions forman angle with their respective limb portions which are joined by saidcenter body portion.
 7. A clip according to claim 1 wherein a centerbody portion between said bent end portions is of a non-rectilinearconfiguration, whereby its spring working length is extended.
 8. A clipaccording to claim 1 wherein a center body portion between said bent endportions is divided into at least two limb parts which are preferably ofdifferent elasticity constants.
 9. A clip according to claim 1 whereinthe ends of the free limb portions of said bent end portions areextended to form inwardly directed resilient tongue portions.
 10. A clipaccording to claim 1 wherein the resilient material enclosing thestiffening members at least at their free ends is of an elasticityintermediate between that of the stiffening members and that of theresilient material of the remainder of said strip.
 11. A clip accordingto claim 1 wherein a center body portion extends between said bent endportions and includes a resilient middle region and end regions whichenclose facing free ends of said stiffening members, said middle regionbeing partly separated from each said end regions by respective slotmeans and the effective elastic length of said middle region beinggreater than the distance between said two ends of said stiffeningmembers.